The Spanish verb 'encantar' (meaning 'to enchant' or 'to delight') comes from the Latin word 'incantare', which literally meant 'to chant spells' or 'to enchant'. The Latin 'incantare' was formed by combining two elements: the prefix 'in-' meaning 'in, into' and 'cantare' meaning 'to sing'. 'Cantare' itself was a frequentative form of the Latin verb 'canere' (meaning 'to sing'), indicating repeated or intensive action. So etymologically, 'encantar' carries the idea of casting a spell through singing or chanting, which evolved to mean charming or delighting someone in a more general sense.

Several common Spanish words share this musical root with 'encantar'. The most basic is 'cantar' (to sing), which comes directly from Latin 'cantare'. Other related words include 'canto' (song), 'cantante' (singer), and 'canción' (song). While 'encantar' developed the meaning of charming or delighting someone metaphorically, these related words maintained their direct connection to singing and music.

English has several words that share the same Latin roots as 'encantar'. Most notably, 'enchant' comes from the same Latin 'incantare', following a similar path through Old French. Other related English words include 'chant', 'cant', 'cantor', and even 'accent' (which originally meant 'to sing to'). The musical connection is preserved in words like 'chant' and 'cantor', while 'enchant', like Spanish 'encantar', developed the metaphorical sense of charming or delighting someone.